The FA Cup is well known for its unpredictable nature and the ability of underdogs to topple footballing giants. In this article, we’ll take a gander at the top ten giant-killing stories that make the FA Cup the thrilling competition it is.
- Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (1972): One of the most famous FA Cup upsets, Hereford United, a non-league club, beat First Division side Newcastle United in extra time. Ronnie Radford’s legendary 30-yard screamer sent the match into extra time before Ricky George scored the winner.
- Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (1989): Coventry City, winners of the FA Cup just two seasons earlier, were stunned by non-league side Sutton United. Goals from Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan sent the Sky Blues packing in a proper David versus Goliath clash.
4th Division Wrexham beat Arsenal 2-1 back in 1992. pic.twitter.com/NOIUrVUggO
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) January 6, 2018
- Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992): Fourth Division Wrexham pulled off an incredible upset against the reigning First Division champions, Arsenal. After being a goal down, Wrexham’s Mickey Thomas and Steve Watkin turned the match on its head, leaving the Gunners gobsmacked.
- Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton (2003): Nigel Jemson’s brace saw Shrewsbury Town from the Third Division knock out Premier League side Everton, managed by David Moyes at the time. It was a well-earned victory for the Shrews and a proper upset.
- Barnsley 1-0 Chelsea (2008): Championship side Barnsley sent shockwaves through English football when they knocked out Premier League leaders Chelsea, thanks to a goal from Kayode Odejayi. Stamford Bridge was left reeling after this classic FA Cup upset.
On this day in 2013, Oldham Athletic beat Liverpool 3-2 in the FA Cup Fourth Round.
Talk about upset. pic.twitter.com/hkN9YYlcIe
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) January 27, 2017
- Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (2013): League One side Oldham Athletic managed a stunning victory over Premier League giants Liverpool. Goals from Matt Smith and Reece Wabara sealed the deal for Oldham, leaving Liverpool’s manager Brendan Rodgers to reflect on a proper giant-killing.
- Bradford City 4-2 Chelsea (2015): Arguably the biggest upset in recent FA Cup history, League One side Bradford City came back from 2-0 down to beat Premier League giants Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday, and Mark Yeates ensured a memorable win.
- Lincoln City 1-0 Burnley (2017): Lincoln City, a non-league side, etched their name in the history books by knocking out Premier League side Burnley. Sean Raggett’s 89th-minute goal sent the Imps into dreamland and secured their place in the quarter-finals.
What a night!!!! There aren’t enough words to describe the feeling!!!
Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City!!!! pic.twitter.com/KE6sODogaB— David Sharpe (@DavidSharpe91) February 19, 2018
- Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2018): Despite being in League One, Wigan Athletic defeated the Premier League leaders Manchester City. Will Grigg’s late goal was enough to send Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side crashing out of the competition.
- Newport County 2-1 Leicester City (2019): League Two side Newport County shocked Premier League outfit Leicester City, thanks to goals from Jamille Matt and a late penalty from Padraig Amond. The Foxes were left to rue their missed chances in this classic FA Cup giant-killing.
These unforgettable moments showcase the magic of the FA Cup, where anything can happen, and football’s underdogs have their chance to shine.
